Re: [xougen] Re: xouvert-general Digest, Vol 1, Issue 13

[>> G-LiTe /]

chris wrote:

> i think it is of Xouvert's concern. if i understand what you are 
> talking about correctly, heres the senario:
>
> once xouvert's api starts pulling away from XFree86's, normal X apps 
> wont compile under xouvert. shouldn't compatability with xfree86 apps 
> be at least a concern? a loadable module for xouvert, like 
> "xf86-compat" or something like, would make simple x apps, all the way 
> up to glib, gtk, etc, compile and be able torun under xouvert, while 
> native xouvert apps can run alongside and use xouvert specific 
> routines happily.
>
> if im thinking clearly, then i think an xfree86 compatability module 
> is essential, and i'd be willing to work on/manage that if it's desired.
>
> tell me if im crazy
> -chris

You're completely nuts. ;)
The thing is, X11 is a networking protocol, meaning ofcourse there's a 
server and a client. The clients mostly use Xlib, the library 
applications use to talk to the X server. Every sane programmer doesn't 
use X11 and sockets directly to contact the x server because it's way 
too complicated. Both Xlib and the X server are quite extensible at this 
point. Basic compatibility won't be affected as far as I know, because 
that'd mean Xouvert doesn't respect the X11 protocol and thus isn't an X 
server anymore. Xouvert wants to stay an X server, though that doesn't 
mean extensibility is limited. Both the X server itself and Xlib are 
quite modular. Fundamental changes in the X server or Xlib shouldn't be 
a problem at all, as long as the programs linked against Xlib won't die 
instantly because of "unresolved symbols". ;)

Even if Xouvert didn't stick to the X11 protocol, some appropriate 
changes in Xlib will keep client applications running without a glitch. 
The only compatibility we have to worry about is stuff like DRI, XRender 
and all those other extensions, and that's just on the networking part: 
if clients can find the functions they need, it's all okay. If we change 
those functions, the client doesn't care at all as long as the name and 
parameters are the same.

--
> > G-LiTe /
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